Places of Interest in Kenya - IITA Country snapshot, interesting facts "The greatest wildlife show on earth" Straddling the Equator on the east coast of Africa, Kenya is one of the most scenically diverse and beautiful countries on the continent, and home to the nomadic Masai and Samburu, the Kikuyu farmers and coastal Swahili tribal peoples. Kenya has two major cities, the high-altitude, colonial-built capital, Nairobi, and the ancient Swahili trading port of Mombasa. But what really draws the tourists is the great outdoors. This is a place for sunbathing, hiking, climbing, diving or riding. Above all, it is a place for safaris. Resorts and excursions Kenya, regarded by many as the "jewel of East Africa", has some of the continent's finest beaches, most magnificent wildlife and scenery, and an incredibly sophisticated tourism infrastructure. It is a startlingly beautiful land, from the coral reefs and white sand beaches of the coast to the summit of Mount Kenya, crowned with clouds and bejewelled by strange giant alpine plants.

Between these two extremes are the rolling savanna that is home to game parks such as Tsavo, Amboseli, the Masai Mara, and Samburu; the lush, agricultural highlands with their sleek green coat of coffee and tea plantations; and the most spectacular stretch of the Great Rift Valley, the giant scar across the face of Africa. One-tenth of all land in Kenya is designated as national parks and reserves. Over 50 parks and reserves cover all habitats from desert to mountain forest, and there are even six marine parks in the Indian Ocean. Tourist facilities are extremely good. There are many organized safaris, but visitors with the time and money may choose to hire their own vehicle and camping equipment. Kenya also has a fascinatingly diverse population with around 40 different tribes, all with their own (often related) languages and cultures. The major tribes include the Kikuyu, from the central highlands, the Luyia in the northwest and the Luo, around Lake Victoria. Of them all, however, the most famous are the tall, proud, beautiful red-clad Masai, who still lead a traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle of cattle-herding along the southern border.

Kenya does have its down-side as a tourist destination. Rampant corruption means that many of the roads are in poor condition and driving can be a chore. Urban crime is high and continuing inter-tribal skirmishes and banditry are a threat in some areas of the north. More prosaically, the tourist trade has taught people here to think of foreigners as open wallets. Prices for everything from park fees to hotel rooms are set way above the local level. There is enormous pressure to buy anything and everything, often at ridiculously inflated prices, and even taking a photograph in the local market is likely to incur a cost. The Coast Mombassa. The second largest city in Kenya, 500 km (300 miles) from Nairobi, Mombasa town actually sits on an island. Until the ascendancy of the Western powers in the Indian Ocean, Mombasa was second only to Zanzibar as a center for trade with Arabia, India, and the Far East – slaves and ivory were exchanged for spices and small goods, and later for gold dollars.

Mombasa is still an important port, prospering from its position at the head of the only railway into the Kenyan interior, but visitors are likely to find the rakish grey forms of foreign warships to be more typical of modern Mombasa than the flotillas of Arab dhows that still collect in the Old Harbour. Mombasa is the headquarters for Kenya's coastal tourist trade, but has none of the fine beaches in the north and south. There are, however, several places of interest: the Old Town retains a strongly Arab flavor, with narrow, crowded streets and street vendors selling all manner of local and imported craftwork; Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in 1593 and taken by the Omani Arabs in 1698 after a 33-month seige, is now a museum and worth visiting (open 0830–1830 every day of the year, including son-et-lumière shows); the Old Harbour is an interesting place for early morning and late afternoon strolls, and is often filled with sailing dhows from the Yemen and Persian Gulf.

For those who want to go shopping with atmosphere, Biashara Street is probably the best place to go to buy kikoi and khanga cloths; the main city market is the Makupa Market, off Mwembe Tayari and there is a floating market at Tudor Creek, to the north of the city. There are plenty of dhow trips here, and around the harbour if you fancy a spell on the water. The tourist office is on Moi Avenue near the Giant Tusks (Mon–Fri 0800–1700; Sat 0800–1200; tel: (11) 225428). Staff are very helpful. Alternatively, there is an excellent website on the city; (mombasaonline.com). Resorts. Most of the beach resorts which are actually listed as Mombasa are some way out of town, along a 120 km (70 mile) stretch of coast. To the north of the city, resorts such as Bamburi Beach, Kenya Beach, Nyali Beach, and Casuarina Beach are amongst the older developments with easy access to the city center and activities, restaurants and clubs.

The Kenya Marineland and Snake Park, Bamburi Quarry Nature Trail, which also has a butterfly farm, the Mamba Crocodile Village in Freretown, and the Ngomongo Villages cultural park, showing off the lifestyle of 11 different Kenyan tribes, are entertaining for children and adults alike. Serious souvenir shoppers should head for Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Village, where 260 disabled men and women produce quality leatherwork, jewellery, and other crafts. There is some good diving on the somewhat damaged coral reef of the Mombasa Marine National Park, off the Nyali headland. The best beaches, such as Likoni and Tiwi (popular with backpackers), stretch out for some distance along the South Coast, reached only by ferry from the city center. The best and most famous of them all is the 10 km long, dazzlingly white Diani Beach, some 40 km (24 miles) south of the city, lined by a string of large resort hotels. A short way inland, the 192 sq km Shimba Hills National Reserve is the most accessible place in which to see big game for those staying on the coast, although the wooded vegetation doesn't always make it easy.

It does, however, have a lot of leopard and Kenya's only population of sable antelope. In the far south, little Shimoni is an increasingly popular center for diving and deep sea fishing, with three small marine parks, Wasini Marine National Park, Kisite Marine National Park and Mpunguti National Reserve, within easy boat-trip distance. The coral reefs around here are spectacular and there are dhow trips to go dolphin-watching. Malindi. Malindi, 125 km (80 miles) north of Mombasa, was once the center of a powerful kingdom. Today it is a small, somewhat tatty resort town, but the Malindi and Watamu Marine National Parks are nearby. Here the coral reef is close enough to the white sand beach to walk out at low tide and you can snorkel, dive, or watch the technicolor fish through a glass-bottomed boat. There are also several operators running deep sea fishing charters. A small white cross on the bay marks the arrival in 1499 of Vasco da Gama, the first European ever to visit the Kenyan coast.

Close to Watamu, the Gedi National Park protects the well-preserved ruins of a Swahili city, founded in the 13th century and destroyed by Somali raiders in the 17th century. The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, south of Watamu, and the little village of Mambrui, north of Malindi, are also worth a visit. Lamu Island. Lamu Island, 200 km (125 miles) north of Malindi, is an exceptionally beautiful place with fine, white sandy beaches, sailing dhows, and a fascinating town. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island and the streets are so narrow that donkeys and hand-carts are the only vehicles that can negotiate them. The area is strongly Muslim and the only places on the island to buy alcohol are in a couple of the larger tourist hotels. Lamu Town was founded in the 9th century and is one of a handful of Swahili towns whose many mosques and fine old Arab houses with impressive carved wooden doors have survived intact. There are a couple of excellent museums; the Lamu Museum and the Swahili House Museum. The Fortress is also open to the public.

Other attractions in the city include the Hindu Temple in Mwagogo Road, off Treasury Square, and the bazaars. The best beaches are about 2 km (1.2 miles) south of the town at Shela, or on the nearby islands. Excursions. Fishing trips may be taken by dhow, and day trips to the 14th- and 15th-century ruins on the nearby islands of Pate and Manda can be arranged with local boat owners. On the Prophet's Birthday, there is a week-long festival, with dancing, singing, and other celebrations. Many Muslims come to Lamu from all along the coast to enjoy this celebration. The best time to visit the island is outside the main tourist season (April–November). The Southeast Southeastern Kenya is low, dry, flat savanna country, much of it taken up by the vast Tsavo National Park, a collection of privately owned game ranches in the Taita Hills and the smaller Amboseli National Park, on the Tanzanian border. Tsavo National Park. The largest park in Kenya, Tsavo covers a mammoth 21 000 sq km (8000 sq miles).

It is actually managed as two separate parks, Tsavo East, most of which is closed to the public, and Tsavo West. Between the two, the Taita Hills are the setting for most of the local game lodges, all of which stand on private concessions run as part of the same ecosystem as the park itself. Despite a drastic fall in the elephant population, caused by massive poaching in the 1970s and 1980s, numbers are again on the increase and it is possible to see large herds. Much of the land is open savanna and bush woodland inhabited by buffaloes, a few rhinos, lions, antelopes, gazelles, giraffes, and zebras. Crocodiles and hippos can be seen at Mzima Springs in the northwest of the park. Nearby, the Shetani Lava Flow is a 50 sq km lava bed formed by an eruption in the Chyulu Hills. As well as being rich in wildlife, Tsavo has a wealth of birds, with over 440 species recorded. Amboseli National Park.

A small park by Kenyan standards, covering 329 sq km, Amboseli lies on the Tanzanian border 220 km (140 miles) from Nairobi. The fine view it affords of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain (5895 m/19 340 ft), draws many visitors, but the park itself has seen better days. The once-lush savanna is now largely a dust-bowl and most animals have retreated into areas of scrub forest and marshland. Central Highlands Nairobi. The "Green City in the Sun" is an attractive city with wide tree-lined streets and spacious parkland suburbs. Its pleasant nature together with judicious investment in facilities such as the Kenyatta Conference Centre have made Nairobi an important center for international business and conference activities. However, inspite of the capital's appearance, urban crime is on the increase and visitors are advised to take precautions such as avoiding certain areas, or walking anywhere at night (travellers are advised against walking alone through Uhuru Park at any time). There is a full range of shopping opportunities, from purpose-built American-style malls to African markets, and a variety of restaurants and nightclubs.

There are open-air swimming pools at the Serena, Boulevard, and Jacaranda hotels –non-residents may pay to swim. Other places of interest in or near Nairobi include: the Bomas of Kenya, a short distance outside the city center, where displays of traditional dancing are put on for visitors; the Kenya National Museum with its particularly good ethnographic and archaeological exhibits (this is where many of the earliest human remains, discovered by the Leakeys at Olduvai, Koobi Fora, and other well-known prehistoric sites are displayed); and the Snake Park, opposite the museum, houses snakes indigenous to East Africa and a few from other parts of the world. Adjacent to Snake Park is a collection of traditional mud and thatch huts and granaries containing tools characteristic of different tribes. In the suburb of Karen, the Karen Blixen Museum occupies the farmhouse made famous by the author's book, Out of Africa. Excursions. Although it is just 8 km (5 miles) from Nairobi city center, Nairobi National Park still seems a savage and lonely place during the week (carloads of city-dwellers invade at the weekend).

It was Kenya's first national park and today still looks much as it did in the early photographs - wild, undulating pasture dotted with every kind of East African plain-dwelling animal except elephants. At the gates to the park is the Animal Orphanage where young, sick, and wounded animals are cared for. Also near here, the Langata Giraffe Centre offers the enchanting opportunity of hand-feeding the resident Rothschild giraffes. North of Nairobi, the road climbs steadily through the suburb of Thika, and rich agricultural lands, offering excellent views of the Great Rift Valley. The eastern wall of the Rift is made up by the Aberdare Mountains, while further east still looms the vast bulk of Mount Kenya. Between the two are several attractive small towns such as Nyeri, where Lord Baden-Powell, Nyahururu, home of the Thomson's Falls, Muranga'a, whose cathedral tells the story of the Mau Mau rebellions in a series of colorful murals, Naro Moru and Nanyuki, the last two both acting as starting points for those wishing to climb the mountain. Aberdare National Park.

The park is set amidst a densely wooded mountain range rising to over 4000 m (13 000 ft), adjacent to Mount Kenya. It is possible to see elephants, rhinos, dik-dik, leopards, lions, and monkeys as well as rare forest antelopes such as the bongo. However, the thick vegetation and misty alpine climate hides most wildlife from the inexpert observer, the exceptions being giant forest pigs, baboons and buffaloes, which often sleep or feed beside the many dirt tracks. Most visitors prefer to watch for animals from the comfort of the park's two lodges, "Treetops" and the "Ark", both built on platforms overlooking clearings which are floodlit at night. On the higher slopes, giant alpine plants sprout from an almost perpetual fog. There are many waterfalls, the greatest being Guru Falls, which drop over 300 m (1000 ft). The western face of the mountain range is the sheer Mau Escarpment, which falls dramatically to the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Mount Kenya National Park.

Conical Mount Kenya, an extinct volcano, is the second highest mountain in Africa, at 4986 m (16 358 ft) above sea level. The national park covers 600 sq km (230 sq miles) of forest and bare rock straddling the equator, all above 1800 m (6000 ft). The mountain may be climbed without special equipment, but it is advisable to take time so as to avoid altitude sickness. The ascent is very beautiful, the vegetation ranging from farmland to thick forest, bamboo forest, open moorland, giant alpine vegetation, sheer rock and finally, at the summit, year-round snow fields. The lower slopes are one of the last haunts of the black leopard and the black and white colobus monkey. Climbers should be accompanied by a guide. Porters are also available and there are huts to stay in along the way. Plenty of warm clothes are required as well as one's own food supplies.

A Rockclimber's Guide to Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro can be bought from the Mountain Club of Kenya, PO Box 45741, Nairobi (tel: (2) 501 747). The Great Rift Valley About 20 million years ago, a vast seismic scar was torn across the face of Africa, stretching for nearly 6000 km (3600 miles), from the Red Sea to the Drakensberg in South Africa. Known today as the Great Rift Valley, it is at its most dramatic and visible in central Kenya where escarpment walls 2000 m high plunge to the flat-bottomed valley floor, decorated by a small string of volcanoes and brackish soda lakes. Driving down into the valley from Nairobi, the first landmark on the valley floor is the almost perfect cone of Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano (2885 m/9466 ft), that has recently been gazetted as a national park. The walk up is hard, but worth it both for the wildlife and the final spectacular views of the crater and along the Rift.

Known for the abundance and variety of its birdlife and spectacular views, freshwater Lake Naivasha, is an hour's drive from the capital, and the center of a booming horticulture industry. The south shore is lined by hotels and guesthouses, popular as a weekend retreat from Nairobi, with the option of boat trips to little Crescent Island. Also on the south shore is Elsamere, home of Joy and George Adamson and the real setting of "Born Free", their effort to return the lioness, Elsa, to the wild. It is now a small museum, guesthouse, and conservation center. Nearby, Crater Lake is another small volcanic crater and Hell's Gate National Park, both of which allow you to walk amongst the wildlife. Happy Valley, center of the "White Mischief" scandal is a short distance north of Naivasha, in the foothills of the Aberdares. Much of the socializing in the 1920s took place in the mansions surrounding Lake Naivasha, notably the Djinn Palace (still there, but closed to the public). Lake Elementeita is the first of the brackish soda lakes in the string.

There is a small game reserve on its shores and excellent birdwatching. Also nearby is a small but fascinating prehistoric site, Kariandusi. Kenya's third largest city. Nakuru is situated a little further north still, about 230 km (140 miles) west of Nairobi. A vibrant town, with a huge central market, it is a good place to get souvenirs (keep an eye on wallets and bags). Lake Nakuru National Park was once said to be home to half the world's total population of pink flamingoes, and even today, visitors in winter will encounter these ungainly birds in vast numbers, along with around 450 other species of bird. Although tiny, this gem of a park has huge concentrations of game (everything except elephant). Above all, it is one of Kenya's rhino sanctuaries, and it is possible to see up to 15 of the beasts in one game drive. Also near Nakuru are Hyrax Hill, another important prehistoric settlement and the Menengai Crater, an extinct volcano with a vast caldera. You can drive right up to the rim.

Lake Bogoria National Park, about 70 km (42 miles) north of Nakuru, surrounds a long thin soda lake, dramatically set at the foot of the 600 m-high Laikipia Escarpment. It too has good game-viewing and giant flocks of flamingoes, and in one corner of the park lies an area of belching geysers and hot springs which have dyed the surrounding rocks in a kaleidoscope of colors. Of the most northerly of the string of lakes (approximately 118 km (65 miles) north of Nakuru), Lake Baringo is a large, beautiful freshwater lake, with excellent birdlife. There is a permanent tented camp on the island at the lake's center where boats may be hired to cruise through the reeds at the northern end, a habitat rich in water fowl, egrets, giant herons, and fish eagles. With village tours on offer and a huge variety of local tribes, this is one of the best places in Kenya to explore the rich human culture of the country. Western Kenya With the exception of the magnificent Masai Mara, tourists rarely visite Western Kenya and there are many fewer hotels and lodges of international standard.

On the plus side, the area is stunningly beautiful, culturally diverse, and offers a real chance to explore the country away from the crowds. Masai Mara National Reserve. Situated 390 km (240 miles) from Nairobi in the southwest corner of the country, this reserve, owned by the local Masai Council, but operated as a national park by Kenya Wildlife Services, is a slice of Africa as seen by Hollywood (much of the film Out of Africa was shot here) – a vast rolling plain beneath the Oloololo escarpment that forms part of the vast Serengeti plains in neighboring Tanzania. Each year, this is the spectacular setting for the great migration, the constant clockwise motion of an estimated two million wildebeests, and zebra who arrive in the Mara from late June onwards, heading south again in September. Continually harried by predators, thick columns of exhausted animals eventually converge at one spot on the Mara River and wait nervously to cross. A panic anywhere within the herd is transmitted flank-to-flank until it reaches those by the river, who fall 6 m (20 ft) into water already bloodied and bobbing with bloated carcasses.

The inelegant beasts must swim past crocodiles, hippos, and flapping vultures to join the sparse but growing herd on the other side. The stench of corruption is unimaginable and while it is undoubtedly fascinating, also requires a strong stomach to watch the immense distress. During the migration season (July–August), the reserve's resident lions lounge prominently in the sun, fat and seemingly placid, and apparently indifferent to tourists. Other animals seen, at any time of the year, include elephants, cheetahs, baboons, gazelles, giraffes, jackals, hyenas, water buffaloes, ostriches, and several types of antelope. There are numerous lodges and tented camps both within the park and on its immediate borders. Mara Serena Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge, and Keekorok Lodge are the best known of the hotel-style properties. Governor's Camp is the largest of the camps. For true luxury, try Bateleur's Camp or Cottars 1920s Safari Camp. Most of the small lodges and camps have their own airstrips.

A highlight for any visitor is the hot air balloon trips which operate from Governor's Camp, Sarova Camp and Fig Tree Camp. Masai tribes people live on the reserve's fringes. They are very keen to sell traditional bead necklaces and decorated gourds to tourists, or to pose for tourist cameras in return for a fee. Lake Victoria. West of the Mara, on the Ugandan border, Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa, a vast inland sea that is also the source of the fabled Nile River. Kisumu, Kenya's fourth city, made its reputation as the inland end of the Lunatic Line railway and a trading center with Tanzania and Uganda. These days, the lake steamer and trade have gone and the city struggles to survive on the few tourists who head over to the lake. Three islands, a little further south, near Homa Bay—Rusinga Island, Mfangano Island, and Takawiri Island have luxury lodges which provide excellent fishing and birdwatching. In the far south, tiny Ruma National Park (painfully reached by an appalling road) protects several rare species such as the roan antelope and Rothschild giraffe.

Inland Kisii is the center of production for most of Kenya's trademark pink and white soapstone, while the area around Kericho and the Nandi Hills is tea country, with vast estates flowing across rolling hills. The Kakamega Forest Reserve is Kenya's last surviving patch of primeval rainforest, a wonderful cool green cave of soaring trees and tangled vines, with hundreds of species of birds, around 60 of which are found nowhere else in the country. The Northwest The northwest of the country is largely agricultural, its steep hills patchworked by terraces and villages. The two main towns of Eldoret and Kitale act as jumping off points for many stunning scenic tours. The most important attraction in the region is Mount Elgon National Park, the Kenyan half of a giant forested volcano (4321 m/14 178 ft), famous for its mountain flora and fauna, its wonderful birdlife, and for the elephants who scratch salt from the walls of Kitum Cave. To the north, the Cherengani Hills offer excellent mountain hiking and the tiny Saiwa Swamp National Park. To the east, bordering the Rift Valley, are the Tugen Hills and the dramatic escarpments of the Kerio Valley.

Northern Kenya Due north of the Central Highlands is a belt of savanna which provides a home to several game-rich, if less visited national parks, including Samburu, Meru, and Kora, plus a whole host of small game reserves, few of which have any tourist facilities. The far north of Kenya is largely desert, difficult to travel, remote, and wild. Unfortunately, much of the area is also troubled by intertribal violence and banditry and tourists should take local advice before travelling in the region. It is possible to fly up to Lake Turkana, the largest of the Kenyan soda lakes, on the Sudan border. Meru and Kora National Parks. Located 400 km (250 miles) from Nairobi, Meru National Park remains one of the more unspoilt parks, an oasis within the parched land all round, with 13 rivers lined with Doum palms and mountain-fed streams watering richly tangled woodlands on the slopes of the Nyambene Mountain Range. To the east, the park is adjoined by Kora National Reserve, a largely dry area bisected by the great Tana River.

Both areas have plenty of game but were badly affected by poaching in the 1970s and 1980s. These days, security has been strengthened and there are three lodges and several campsites in Meru, all operating happily. However, security is still a concern in less well-trodden areas. Samburu Game Park. An area of semi-desert halfway between Nairobi and Lake Turkana (see below) that provides a rare chance to see the oryx, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, and Grevy's zebra. Ostriches and elephants are easily spotted in this open habitat. There are two lodges, Samburu Lodge and River Lodge, both of which hang out bait to attract leopards for the guests to study whilst sitting at the bar. The park takes its name from the Samburu people, distantly related to the Masai. Lake Turkana. There are several parks and reserves in the far north of Kenya, gathered around Lake Turkana (formerly Lake Rudolph). This extraordinary lake has recently been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Running for several hundred miles through windswept and largely uninhabited deserts, the lake contains many unique species of fish and marine plants and has recently gained a reputation as a fishing resort. Several lodges have sprung up on the eastern shore to cater for this trade and consequently general tourism is expected to increase. Despite the harsh climate, many of Kenya's better-known animals manage to survive here, as do the tiny people of the El Molo tribe, who fish the eastern waters. There are two large volcanic islands in the lake. The flooded crater of the southernmost island has a resident population of unnaturally large crocodiles. The lake is subject to violent storms, which disturb algae to produce remarkable color changes in the water. Those who wish to visit Turkana are advised to fly. The road takes two days, crosses immensely harsh landscape and there is danger of violence.

Kenya Tanzania combined budget safaris,15 Days best of kenya tanzania camping safaris,Serengeti camping tours,masai mara camping safaris,lake manyara camping safaris,amboseli camping safris kenya,samburu camping safaris Tour Duration: 15 Days Highlights : A Kenya & Tanzania combined camping safari package to the Kenyas most famous parks with abundant wildlife throughout the year beautiful sceneries ,birdlife, flora and fauna. Adventure walking and cycling at Hells gate national park as you view game.

holiday safari to Tanzania's premier parks in the Northern Tanzania ie Serengeti, ngorongoro ,Lake Manyara national park and Tarangire National park Tanzania - Accommodations: Self contained Tents in Nakuru/Masai Mara & Amboseli ONLY while we pitch tents in Samburu in designated campsites in Serengeti/ngorongoro/Ngorongoro/Tarangire and Lake Manyara national park - camp fire adventures Group Size: 2 pax and above; Guaranteed daily departures 15 Days Kenya /Tanzania combined camping safari Day 1: Arrival - Nairobi Meet and assist services at Jomo Kenyatta airport on arrival then transfer you to Boulevard hotel for overnight stay Day 2:Nairobi – Samburu Pick up from your hotel at 0700 hrs and passing the majestic Mt. Kenya en route to the open savannah of Samburu Game Reserve. We camp in the narrow stretch of palms and woodland by the Ewaso Nyiro River which provides water for the animals and some relief from the equatorial sun. Day 3: Samburu National Reserve Full day spent exploring the park.

Morning and afternoon game drives are offered – Dinner and overnight stay at a campsite. The highlights of Samburu game reserve is the spectacular scenic beauty, rivers and forests. It is an area where the local people have a rich and colorful heritage. The reserves have numerous permanent springs and a wealth of wildlife which includes leopard, hippo, elephant, lion, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra and crocodile in the Ewaso Nyiro river. Over 365 species of birds have been identified in the sanctuaries. Day 4 : Lake Nakuru National park. We break the camp soon after break fast and proceed to Lake Nakuru National park. Game is viewed as we exit the park. Lunch enroute followed by an afternoon game drives as the pick lake. Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru guest house Lake Nakuru is a shallow alkaline lake on the edges of Nakuru town and lies a distance of 160 kilometers from Nairobi. The lake is world famous as home to millions of flamingoes. The number of flamingoes depends on the water level which determines the quantity of algae on which the birds feed.

Flamingoes are known to migrate to other Rift Valley lakes whenever the water level is low. The National Park surrounds the lake and was gazetted to protect the colony of flamingoes as well as provide sanctuary for endangered species such as the rhino. There are about 25 white and black rhinos, one of the largest concentrations in the country. Predators are also residents to this park while Rothschild’s giraffe have been trans-located into the park for safety Day 5: Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara We break the camp soon after breakfast and travel south through the beautiful savannahs and plains of the Rift Valley and reach our base camp site, where we enjoy another evening out bush under the far-reaching African sky. Game is viewed as we proceed to Mara Enchoro or Sidai Camp for Dinner and overnight stay. Day 7/6 : Maasai Mara Spend the next two days on game drives exploring the Masai Mara. The open grasslands are home to incredibly rich and varied wildlife and the awesome, annual migration of millions of wildebeest and antelope is the highlight of any visit to Africa from July to September.

Optional balloon safari can be arranged at an extra coat of US$ 450 per person. The Maasai Mara Game Reserve is arguably Kenya’s most popular game sanctuary. It is the most famous and most visited game reserve in Kenya. The film ‘Out of Africa’ was made to a great extent in this reserve. Virtually every type of wildlife can be seen at the Mara. A spectacle worth seeing is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle from Serengeti plains across the Tanzania border and the Mara River to reach Maasai Mara grazing fields from late June. The dramatic crossing of the river and the preying on the migrants by predators can be viewed from early July to August. The reserve abounds with birdlife since dose to about 452 species have been recorded. Day8 : Masai Mara – Lake Naivasha We depart the campsite soon after breakfast and proceed to Lake Naivasha. visit to hells gate national park- this park can be explored on foot or by cycling- bicycles are available for hire at an extra cost. Dinner and overnight stay at Fish Eagle Camp Hells gate national park is characterized by diverse topography and geological scenery.

It has historically been an important home for the rare lammergeyer, but it is now thought that the famous pair of birds may not have nested in the park for several years. One is encouraged to hike and cycle in the park. This is a rarity in Kenyan National Parks, and is only made possible due to the lack of large predators such as lions and cheetahs Day 9: Lake Naivasha – Amboseli National park Break the camp and proceed to Amboseli national park. Via Nairobi –Amboseli is the magnificent park at the foot hills of Mt.Kilimanjaro.After noon game drives followed by dinner and overnight stay at Kibo safari Camp This small park (at 392 sq km) is the second most popular park in Kenya after Maasai Mara, mainly due to the spectacular backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro on the southern boundary. Amboseli means ‘the place of water’ in Maasai language. The park has an endless supply of water which is filtered through thousands of meters of volcanic rock from Mount Kilimanjaro. Animal species seen include elephant, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala and leopard.

The birdlife seen here includes pelican, bee eater, kingfisher, African fish eagle and pygmy falcon. Amboseli is one of the most popular parks and offers excellent accommodation facilities. There are five lodges and two campsites inside the park. Kilimanjaro forms the backdrop of this game sanctuary and it is a sight to see and marvel at. The nomadic richly decorated Maasai who are deeply steeped in Maasai culture entertain visitors with enchanting dances of ageless Africa. Day 10 : Amboseli - Lake Manyara Early morning game drives, then return to the camp for breakfast, we drive into Tanzania via the Namanga border. We also pass through Arusha to Lake Manyara National park with lunch enroute. Regardless of the direction we approach Manyara from, the view is always fantastic. We proceed to a campsite for dinner and overnight stay. Lake Manyara is a shallow, alkaline lake that is part of the Rift Valley wall; the lake is at the base of this dramatic western escarpment giving it a beautiful and serene setting.

In addition to this peaceful setting, Lake Manyara’s main attractions are its rich bird life, tree climbing lions and its hippos, which you can see at a closer range than many other places. Lake Manyara also hosts thousands of flamingos at certain times of the year and has diverse vegetation ranging from savannah, to marshes and acacia woodland, enabling a variety of wildlife habitats including butterflies. Day 11 : Lake Manyara - Serengeti National park Morning game drives at Lake Manyara National park then proceed to Serengeti national park. Game is viewed as we proceed to the campsite for dinner and overnight stay. Day 12 : Serengeti National park Full days spent exploring the park. Morning and afternoon game drives are offered. Dinner and overnight stay at a campsite. Serengeti is Africa’s most famous and Tanzania’s largest park covering 14,736 sq km and is adjoining with the Masai Mara National reserve in Kenya.

With a wildebeest population of about 2 million and several other hoofed species (which include zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, impala, topi, Grants gazelle, Kongoni, Eland, Kirk’s dik dik, klipspringer, roan, Oryx, oribi, waterbuck, buffalo, giraffe and warthog), the Serengeti is sure to attract a string of prey such as lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, golden jackals and bat eared foxes. Elephants are relatively scarce and the few remaining black rhinoceros are restricted to the Moru Koppies area. Serengeti also offers rewarding bird viewing with ostrich and kori bustard being common, a variety of larks, finches, and raptors can be seen but the most distinctive small bird is the lilac breasted roller Day 13 : Serengeti - Ngorongoro crater We view game as we drive southeast up into the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation .Full afternoon crater tour followed by dinner and overnight stay at a Simba Campsite by the crater rim.

The Ngorongoro crater is the world’s biggest whole volcanic caldera at 8300 sq km and is arguably the most stunning arena. It is frequently described as one of the wonders of the world, not only because of its geological magnificence, but also because it serves as an extraordinary natural sanctuary for some of Africa’s largest populations of large mammals. Ngorongoro and other freestanding mountains are volcanic in origin, formed during the fracturing process that created the Rift valley 15 to 20 million years ago. When it peaked in size 3 million years ago it was a similar height to Mt. Kilimanjaro today Day 14 : Ngorongoro – Tarangire National park Early breakfast then break the camp and proceed to Tarangire national park ; game drives .dinner and overnight stay at a campsite Herds of up to 300 elephants scratch the dry river bed for underground streams, while migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the shrinking lagoons.

It's the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem - a smorgasbord for predators – and the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as the stately fringe-eared oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk are regularly observed Day 15 : Arusha – Nairobi Break the camp soon after breakfast and drive to Arusha - lunch then board an afternoon Shuttle bus to Nairobi departing at 1400 hrs to arrive at around 1600 hrs - drop off at the airport to board your home bound flight hrs.

Tour Price – Kenya Safari Holidays - Kenya Beach Holidays:Bush and beach Kenya Luxury safari for 18 days safari to tree hotel Treetops, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Taita hills and beaching at Kenyas coast 4 Days Tsavo/Amboseli National Park 18 days Kenya safari from Nairobi city tour to the famous Masai Mara ,lake Nakuru for the million flamingoes ,aberdares and tree top lodges featured with night animal watching ,sounds of African nights of birds and animals, Visit to Samburu National reserve famous for the survivor series film and a lion adopting an oryx calf ,close visit to Mount Kenya safari club with the opportunity to see this majestic mountain second highest mountain in Africa when its has the best photographic view, down to Amboseli where a backdrop view of Moun Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa brings the Africa close to you ,close visit to Tsavo park where a night game drive will be conducted and combining all this is Kenyas Coast in the beach where we submerge ourselves, relax and enjoy the soft sands and warm waters of the turquoise Indian Ocean.This is one of the best of Kenya safaris you can bank on with high peaks ,big game, sandy beaches with

 first class accommodation and services as a priority leaving with treasurable lasting memories of Africa at close.

Duration : 18 days Day of Departure : Any Day Transport : 9 Seater Tour Van with radio communication Standard : Luxury Activities include: Bird Watching, Cultural Exploration, Wildlife Viewing,beaching,photography,city tour,Night game drive,Visit to children home,Girrafe feeding,snorkerling,water sports Parks:Aberdares,Amboseli,Tsavo east and west ,Lake Nakuru,Lake Naivasha,Samburu ,Mt kenya & Masai Mara Rates from : U$2340 p.p. Day 1 Nairobi Land Only tour starts in Nairobi this morning. . After relaxing for the morning we head out for a short afternoon tour of Nairobi. On our driving tour of the city and its surroundings we will see Uhuru Park, Kenya's Parliament House,the Kenyatta Conference Centre, City Square and some of Nairobi's nicest suburbs. We visit the Kenya National Museum and Karen Blixen Museum. First of 2 nights in Nairobi. Nairobi Safari Club or similar. Dinner is included.

DAY2:Full day spent in visiting the Dalphine Elephant orphange for baby Elephants here we see baby elephants care and feedind(11.00 am -12 pm)later visit the Africa butterfly center and see much about butterflies rearing and beauty.Lunch.Afternoon Visit Bomas of Kenya to see Kenya traditions and dances together with acrobatic shows..Nairobi safari club Day 3; Nairobi - Masai Mara This morning we drive down into the Great Rift Valley.Crossing the valley we make our way to Kenya's premier wildlife park - the MasaiMara. This is the northern section of the Serengeti Plain, First of 3 nights in theMasai Mara. Mara Simba Lodge or similar. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Day 4: Masai Mara The vast, open grasslands of the Serengeti-Mara are home to over 3million large mammals. On our morning and afternoon game drives in the Masai Mara we have a very good chance of seeing all the major Plains animals including lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino, hyena, cheetah, jackal, warthog and many species of antelope.

Second of 3 nights in the Masai Mara. Mara Simba Lodge or similar.Breakfast, Lunch Dinner. Day 5 :Masai Mara We continue to explore this area on our morning and afternoon gamedrives. This open grassland is home to almost every species of East African wildlifeincluding lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras.Today we also encounter and learn about the Masai, . At sunset we will visit a section of the Mara River where we hope to see many hippos. Third of 3 nights in the Masai Mara. Mara Simba Lodge or similar. Breakfast, Lunch Dinner Day 6 :Masai Mara - Lake Naivasha - Lake Nakuru This morning we leave the open grasslands of the Masai Mara and descend into the Great Rift Valley again. . Driving north along the Great Rift Valley we come to Lake Naivasha. It is a bird-watchers'paradise. This afternoon we take a boat trip on Lake Naivasha out to CrescentIsland, where we take a short walking safari.

After our boat trip we continue alongthe Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru.First of 2 nights at the Lake Nakuru Lodge orsimilar. Breakfast & Dinner. Day 7: Lake Nakuru. This morning and this afternoon we take game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park. This lake is famous for its flocks of over one million Greater and Lesser Flamingoes. As well as seeing many large game animals such as zebras,elephants and gazelles, this is one of our best chances of seeing rhinos. Lake Nakuru National Park was the first place in Kenya selected as a rhino reserve. Here is one of the few places where we can see Rothschild's giraffes. Second of 2 nights at the Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Day 8 :Rift Valley - The Aberdares This morning we ascend the Nyandarua Escarpment from the Great Rift Valley and visit Thomson Falls. This morning we cross the Equator twice as we travel briefly from the southern hemisphere briefly into the northern hemisphere and back into the southern hemisphere again. The lush hills of Aberdare National Park are covered by Kenya's densest forest and formthe eastern flank of the Great Rift Valley.

We leave our main luggage at the base hotel and continue with just our overnight bags to one of the famous "treehotels", deep in the Aberdares Forest. On our journey to our lodge we hope to seetypical forest-dwelling animals such as the black and white Colobus Monkeys. A special feature of the lodge where we stay is the floodlit watering hole where we can watch from the lodge itself throughout the night as a great variety of animals comes down to drink. Overnight at the Ark, Treetops or similar. Breakfast and Dinner. Day 9 Aberdares - Samburu Driving north we pass Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest mountain at 17,000 feet (5,199 metres). This is also the traditional homeland of the Kikuyu people, the largest of Kenya's 70 recognised tribes. We cross the Equator again into the northern hemisphere on our way to Samburu Game Reserve in a semi-desert area of Kenya. Samburu is located on the Ewaso Nyiro River. This afternoon we take a game drive in the park. First of 2 nights in Samburu. Samburu Game Lodge or similar.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Day 10 Samburu Game Lodge. Early morning and afternoon game drives in Samburu Game Reserve, which covers 40 square miles (104 square kilometres).Ololokwe Table Mountain forms a dramatic backdrop to our game viewing today.Samburu is also home to the third of Kenya's giraffe species - the Reticulated Giraffe. This is also our best chance to see the blue-legged Somali Ostrich , the long-necked Gerenuk gazelle and the straight-horned Beisa Oryx antelope. Second of 2 nights in Samburu. Samburu Game Lodge or similar. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Day 11 Samburu - Mount Kenya Chimpanzee Sanctuary We drive back south from Samburu to the Equator and the slopes of Mount Kenya. Although situated on the Equator,Mount Kenya is permanently covered in glaciers and snow. Here we stay at the Sweetwaters Game Reserve. This very special 23,000 acre wildlife sanctuary was originally established to protect and breed highly-endangered Black Rhinos.

In 1994 the Jane Goodall Institute established the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary within the game reserve and moved a large group of chimps here from the unstable situation in their native West Africa. This afternoon we have a game drive in the reserve and tour the Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Overnight at Sweetwaters Camp. Breakfast & Dinner. Day 12 Mount Kenya - Nairobi This morning we drive back to Nairobi. Overnight in Nairobi. Nairobi Safari Club or similar. Breakfast & Dinner. Day 13 Nairobi - Amboseli This morning we drive from Nairobi south to Amboseli National Park, right on the border with Tanzania. This park affords everyone's classic image of East Africa - herds of great animals moving across the dusty plains with the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro rising straight up in the background. MountKilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain at 19,340 feet (5,895 metres). Although itis situated inside Tanzania, the best views of the mountain are from Amboseli on the Kenyan side of the border. This afternoon we enjoy a game drive in majestic Amboseli. First of 2 nights in Amboseli.

Amboseli Serena Lodge or similar. Breakfast and Dinner. Day 14 Amboseli National Park This morning we enjoy a game drive in Amboseli National Park. Second of 2 nights in Amboseli. Amboseli Serena Lodge or similar.Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Day 15 Amboseli - Taita Hills From the flat plains and swamps of Amboseli we travel east to Tsavo West National Park. Outside the park gates are the Shetani Lava Flows,"frozen" rivers of molten black rock twisted in bizarre shapes. At just over 7,800square miles (20,000 sq Km), Tsavo is Kenya's largest national park. The park is home to a huge variety of animals and birds, especially around the watering holes in this otherwise dry area. During the Fall these watering holes are a stopover for hundreds of thousands of birds on their annual migration south. The Mzima Springs are the source of the freshwater pools much favoured by Hippos and crocodiles. There is even a glass wall for viewing the pools from under the water line.

Wildlife which can be spotted in this area includes lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals,giraffes, zebras, buffalos, baboons and several species of antelope. From Tsavo we drive south to the Taita Hills Game Sanctuary, a private game reserve of 42,000acres (17,000 hectares) of rolling savannah accented by dramatic rocky outcrops and small plateaus. This is a favourite area for lions. The watering holes attract large herds of elephants. Overnight in the Taita Hills area. Hilton Salt Lick Lodge or similar. Breakfast & Dinner. Day 16 Taita Hills - Mombasa . This morning we drive further east from the interior of Africa to the Indian Ocean Coast. Travelling through an area of fertile fields and traditional grazing areas we pass through a spectacular panorama on our way to Mombasa.

After settling into our beachfront hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the soft sands and warm waters of the turquoise Indian Ocean.We check inn at our hotel(Travellers Tiwi beach 4 star hotel at the Indian Ocean Beach Club set in 30 acres of landscapped tropical gardens among mature Baobab trees with air-conditioned guest rooms enjoy en-suite bathroom and Swahili/Arab decoration and furniture.. After breakfast we visit we visit this historical island town on foot with close visits to fort Jesus which was Built in 1593 by the Portuguese, it dominates the entrance to the Old Harbour and it positioned so that, even under siege, it was still possible to bring supplies in from the sea. time permiting we visit the Akamba village to see how carvings are made later to Mamba Village to see this crocodile farm as we feed them . On Afternoon leisure at beach with A 160m free-form swimming pool. in-house games, beach volleyball, water polo and snorkelling are available. Other facilities include floodlit tennis, squash, gym, sauna and massage. Scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and windsurfing can be arranged (payable locally).

Evening entertainment includes traditional African shows and a nightclub .Breakfast Lunch and dinner. Day 18: Indian Ocean Coast. The Land Only tour finishes in Mombassa this morning. For those taking our international flights this morning is free for you to relax at our hotel before we take our afternoon flight from Mombassa to Nairobi. Board your evening flight back home. Safari Price Includes: · Meet and Greet Services with assistance · · Complimentary authentic safari hats · All airport/Airstrip transfers with assistance · Complimentary baggage handling of two pieces per person · Nairobi orientation / sightseeing tour · Direct check-in with assistance in your city hotels and safari lodges · Bed & Full Breakfast accommodation in Nairobi · Transport in a comfortable custom-built safari vehicles with a window seat guarantee . · All park entry fees · One way domestic / regional flights (Mombasa -Nairobi) · Full board accommodation whilst on Safari · Two full game-viewing drives per day whilst on safari · Complimentary bottled mineral water on game drives · Services of an English-Speaking and professional safari driver/guide · All Government taxes and levies where applicable.

Your Safari Price Excludes: · Tourist entry VISA where required (required for Kenya · International airport(s) departures taxes · Optional excursions not mentioned in the inclusions and/or quoted separately · Expenditures of personal nature such as telephone calls, faxes, internet access, laundry etc. · All alcoholic drinks, wines and spirits. · Tips and gratuities to driver guides/lodge/hotel staff · All other extras not mentioned in the 'what's included'. Should you require further information, kindly DO NOT hesitate to contact us .

Question: What is the name of Kenya's second largest game reserve, who's dramatic setting is the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro?
Answer: AMBOSELI